Haha, apology accepted, I did wonder if you was joking as most people would accept that meter as being decent. When you decide not to use liar mode, how much is it out by when you switch to your 8251A meter? I don't actually do anything that demands that much accuracy, TBH, most domestic radio and audio gear tends to have voltage references expressed in 0.1v steps so even a 3.5 digit meter is perfectly suitable for my needs. That said of course its just like a car, its always nice to have more power on tap in case you need it at some point.
Aerospace I can imagine might need the extra accuracy and yes, I often look at the items on offer in the USA on Ebay and many times I've gone to click on the BIN button then I remember to check the shipping costs which are often considerably higher then the item in the first place and I back down.
The BM867 is definitely a decent meter IMHO. It may not have every bell and whistle as it's bigger brother has (BM869 for those that aren't familiar), but the quality and value offered is astounding. I'd actually rank Brymen's value the best I'm aware of for handhelds.
My major handhelds include a Uni-T UT139C (6k count), Brymen BM857 (50k count), Agilent U1252B (50k count), and a
Fluke 27/FM (great whopping 3.2k counts, but built like a tank and is easily fixed as long as you don't blow the IC). There's the bench meter of course, and a few DT-830 freebies (they make great road DMM's and panel meters).
As per more power, I truly get it, but it's from the lazy POV. Meaning I'd rather use a 50k count meter where a 6k count meter would do in order to take advantage of significant digits so I don't have to do any math.
Toss in the fact I like my toys, this fact doesn't improve my purchasing habits either (within reason, as I'm not
that far gone ATM).
In regard to absolute accuracy, do keep in mind none of my meters are calibrated at this point (those that were have expired). That said however, comparing them using an inexpensive voltage reference, they're all
well within spec last I checked.
In regard to US ebay sellers, I do see decent prices incl. shipping for UK/EU buyers at times, so it's worth setting up notifications IMHO.
The link for the Fluke 27/FM would be one example. Just requires more patience than those of us in the US (and a 230V capable PSU that at most, only requires a different fuse for bench gear).
Worst case, if there is something specific you're after, posting a WTB thread could direct you to the right item at the right price (i.e. someone might be in the know of the right company close-out & auction house handling it). Certainly doesn't hurt to make such a thread at any rate.